Gemotions

The party was in full swing, but for Sam, the room seemed to shrink. He felt pinned to the spot, a prisoner of his own actions. He had always been so focused on himself.

He saw his father's gentle smile, and a knot formed in his chest. His mother's eyes, brimming with love, were almost too much to bear. He'd let them down, repeatedly. He knew that now.

The speech he had written felt hollow and inadequate. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes. He took a deep, shaky breath, and felt the weight of years of neglect descend upon him.